PSA (Diva Cup)

[dichroic]

There is a current discussion on Ravelry which began with someone's idea of a hand-knittde tampon (which strikes me as an awful idea) and quickly veered off into discussion of the Diva Cup and other brands of menstrual cup (MoonCup, Lunette, Keeper). These are reusable silicone or rubber reusable cups that replace a tampon or sanitary pad: less leakage, much less money spent, possibly more comfort, no need to carry stuff around, and some women find they cut down on cramping.

In the course of the discussion, an online friend of mine of about a decade's standing wrote, "Why has no one told me about this before?" I feel a little guilty about that: I've used a Diva Cup for 5 years or so and it has seriously improved my quality of life. That's been especially a factor with frequent travel.

So, if no one has told you about it either, or if you've heard of them and had questions you couldn't get answered, here's your chance. I will frankly answer any questions that fall within my experience, in the comments. All comments are screened; if you don't want yours published just say so. Or ask anonymously. I will still answer.

P.S. The offer also applies to the Freshette funnel (and similar ones), that allows women to pee standing up (useful to camping, hiking, and dirty bathrooms - and I suppose for squat toilets if you find squatting difficult. I wrote about mine years and years ago, and when I used to check blog search terms there were always a lot of searches for that, so I think there's a fair bit of curiosity out there.

Comments

[damned_colonial]

I can run a finger round, but it doesn't work. In fact sometimes I wonder if I'm pushing it in too far, because I think it's maybe even getting caught on my cervix? Anyway. I will keep experimenting.

They ought to have diva cup consultants! Like lactation consultants, but for diva cups! They could come round to your house and help you figure out what works best.

[dichroic]

I suppose you could take it alog on your next ob-gyn checkup and ask if it's in right. Assuming they know.

Having it too far in can also be a source of leaks - it's supposed to ride really low, with the little stem sticking out. I just push it in far enough to expand, then pull it back out to the right spot.

[sara]

*wanders in* The trick is to put it in, then, if it hasn't unfolded, pull it out until it's almost but not quite out, and wiggle until it opens up. Then push back in once it's popped open. (This is one of those things that's much easier to do than to describe.)

Also, make sure it's actually over the cervix. I've had some, er, unexpected surprises that way, when it gets on one side or t'other.